[ad_1]
Legend has it that Cassiopeia, an historic queen of Ethiopia, bragged to Poseidon, god of the ocean, that her daughter, Andromeda, was extra stunning than Poseidon’s sea nymphs. Poseidon was sensitive about such issues and punished Cassiopeia by sending a sea monster to terrorize the Ethiopians. Ultimately, the Ethiopian rulers consulted oracles who instructed them that Andromeda needed to be sacrificed to the monster as a way to save the nation. Thankfully for Andromeda, the nice hero Perseus occurred by and noticed her chained to a rock awaiting her destiny. He rescued her, killed the monster, and after just a few extra trials and tribulations, the couple married. That they had a number of kids and have been ultimately rewarded for his or her advantage by being positioned within the evening sky among the many constellations.
Andromeda additionally ended up as a shrub, so to talk, and a superb one at that. Presently of the 12 months, you see white-flowered Andromeda, also referred to as Pieris, blooming in each different yard.
The commonest Pieris, Pieris japonica, are, because the title suggests, natives of Japan. They’re also referred to as lily-of-the-valley shrubs due to their small bell-like blossoms. Pieris flowers are borne in racemes or clusters on the ends of the branches. Whereas not as spectacular as these of many azaleas, rhododendrons or hydrangeas, they’re pretty in a refined method and scent identical to honey.
Pieris are particularly fascinating as a result of they’re all evergreen and plenty of of them present visible curiosity in multiple season. The elongated oval leaves are darkish inexperienced and shiny, and in some cultivars, the younger foliage emerges crimson or bronze, which is downright thrilling within the spring. The shrubs thrive within the acid soil that abounds in lots of areas, and as soon as they’re established are usually not fussy about care. If you’re in search of a shrub that’s acquainted however completely different, a few of the hybrid Pieris fill the invoice properly.
Most of the Pieris available on the market are both native Asian species or their descendants. As a result of the shrubs are so helpful, they’ve additionally been hybridized extensively. There are various good Dutch and Japanese hybrids, in addition to some glorious cultivars developed by an American, Dr. Robert Ticknor, on the North Willamette Analysis and Extension Heart in Oregon.
Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ is a medium dimension (maturing to 5 toes) selection that has sensible crimson early progress. The colour and sample of the brand new leaves is such that from even a brief distance the crimson leaves seem nearly poinsettia-like. After some time, the leaves mature to pink, then cream, then lastly to inexperienced. It’s uncommon to discover a plant that does all that with out even bringing flowers into the image. Pieris japonica ‘Variegata’ has the identical brilliant younger foliage, however when the leaves mature they’re edged in cream.
There are these demanding gardeners, after all, who will suppose that aromatic white flowers, and sensible leaves and even variegation simply doesn’t do sufficient. For them, there are Pieris with crimson or pink and even bi-colored blossoms. ‘Dorothy Wycoff’ options eye-catching darkish purplish-red flower buds that open within the spring to disclose pink bells. This cultivar additionally provides winter curiosity as a result of the leaves flip bronze and stay so through the chilly months. If pink is anathema in your backyard, however crimson is appropriate, attempt Pieris japonica ‘Shojo’, which has deep crimson flowers. Followers of bi-color blossoms ought to attempt Pieris ‘Christmas Cheer. Whereas it doesn’t bloom at Christmas, it positively brings a present to the backyard. The flowers are white with rosy edges.
There are additionally Pieris for small-space gardeners. The smaller cultivars may be grown in pots on a terrace or deck, or utilized in decorative borders. One of many japonicas, Pieris japonica yakusimana, grows solely 1-2-feet tall however has the identical giant clusters of white flowers produced by a lot bigger cultivars. For the center of the border or a big pot, Pieris japonica ‘Pygmaea’ grows to about 3-feet tall, and has the identical white flowers and sensible crimson spring foliage as different varieties.
The cultural necessities for Pieris are much like these for rhododendrons. Along with acid soil, the vegetation thrive greatest in mild shade. For a sunnier location, attempt a sun-tolerant hybrid, Pieris ‘Mountain Fireplace’. Because the title suggests, the spring progress is brilliant crimson. The flowers are white.
The legendary Andromeda began out as an unfortunate younger lady—sacrificed due to her mom’s vainness and the unpredictable wrath of the gods. She ended up with a heroic husband, a kingdom, a constellation, and a namesake plant that’s universally admired. It nearly makes up for the ocean monster.
Frequent Pieris varieties may be present in most nurseries and backyard facilities.
Yellow Rose
SWORD LILIES
CHANGE IN THE GARDEN
UNFORGETTABLE
FRESH VEGGIES
[ad_2]
Source link
